Pretty explosive in collapsing the pocket and causing havoc inside the line and in the backfield. Very fluid and fast for a big man (as a converted running back).

Flaws:

Could do more picking up the run. Somewhat injury-prone, and lacks ideal bulk and overall size. Had some off-field troubles in college.

Career Potential:

Versatile, pocket-collapsing defensive lineman.

Career Honors & Awards

League

Honor

Description

NFL

Named to play in Pro Bowl

2012

Movements & Injuries

2014

12/30/2014

Knee injury, injured reserve.

3/18/2014

Signed as an unrestricted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys to a one-year contract.

3/11/2014

Declared free agent.

2013

9/27/2013

Knee injury, injured reserve.

9/25/2013

Knee injury, out.

3/12/2013

Re-signed by the Chicago Bears to a one-year contract.

3/01/2013

Designated franchise player by the Chicago Bears.

2012

11/30/2012

Fined $7,875 by the NFL.

2009

9/05/2009

Ankle injury, injured reserve.

5/29/2009

Signed by the Chicago Bears to a four-year contract.

Career Transactions

2014

3/18/2014

Signed as an unrestricted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys.

2009

4/26/2009

Drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 4th round (105th overall) in 2009.

Player News

Defensive tackle Henry Melton is not expected to play against Drew brees and the Saints in Week 4, according to beat reporter Bryan Broaddus. | 09/26/2014 2:09 PM

News

Defensive tackle Henry Melton is not expected to play against Drew brees and the Saints in Week 4, according to beat reporter Bryan Broaddus.

sportsnetwork.com

Impact

Melton has played well the past two games, but this just makes life easier for Brees & Co. Brees was already The Sports Network's top ranked QB in Week 4.

Melton expects to be ready for start of camp | 06/06/2014 6:19 PM

News

Cowboys DT Henry Melton (ACL surgery) expects to be ready for the start of training camp.

ESPN Dallas

Impact

Melton is being held out of OTAs, but remains on track to be cleared when the Cowboys report to camp in late July. Tyrone Crawford and Amobi Okoye will continue to see extended looks at the three-technique spot. Seventh-round pick Ken Bishop has been getting the majority of snaps at nose tackle.

Cowboys DT Melton's rehab behind schedule? | 05/27/2014 10:58 AM

News

ESPN's Louis Riddick heard DT Henry Melton's ACL recovery was "behind schedule" before he signed with the Cowboys.

Louis Riddick on Twitter

Impact

Riddick believes it's "sounding more and more" like that's indeed the case, as Melton's FA market was surprisingly quiet relative to his resume, while he's being withheld from all pre-camp activities. The Cowboys are banking on a lot of injury red flags to turn their defense around, including Melton, DL Tyrone Crawford (Achilles), DE Anthony Spencer (knee), and MLB Sean Lee (neck).

Henry Melton will be held out of OTAs | 05/26/2014 4:20 PM

News

Cowboys DT Henry Melton (ACL surgery) will be held out of all pre-training camp activities.

dallascowboys.com

Impact

He is expected to be cleared when the Cowboys head to Oxnard (CA) in late July. The missed time shouldn't hurt Melton much because he's so familiar with DC Rod Marinelli's scheme. Melton is likely to start at three technique in Week 1, though he will face competition from Tyrone Crawford and Amobi Okoye.

All charges against Henry Melton dropped | 05/21/2014 2:58 PM

News

The criminal charges against Cowboys DT Henry Melton have been dropped.

Associated Press

Impact

Melton was accused of biting a Texas bar owner in the kidney in December. He was charged with misdemeanor assault and public intoxication. The two sides reached an agreement and the case has been dismissed. Melton shouldn't face any league discipline. He'll hold down the three-technique spot this season.

Melton tore his ACL in September, allowing the Cowboys to sign him on an extremely team-friendly contract structure. He's doing some drills, a sign that he'll be near a full-go in time for training camp. The Cowboys desperately need Melton to regain form as they're paper-thin across the defensive line.

Lawsuit against Cowboys DT Melton dropped | 04/18/2014 8:18 PM

News

The Dallas Morning News reports the lawsuit over assault claims against Cowboys DT Henry Melton has been dropped.

Dallas Morning News

Impact

Melton was being sued for more than $1 million from his public intoxication and assault arrest on December 23. He still faces a misdemeanor charge as a result of the incident. A hearing for the criminal case is scheduled for next week.

'Reasonable' to expect Melton ready for camp | 03/26/2014 5:02 PM

News

Coach Jason Garrett said it's "reasonable" to expect to see Henry Melton (knee) on the field some time this spring and certainly for training camp.

ESPN Dallas

Impact

Melton underwent surgery for a torn ACL in October and may not be ready for OTAs. However, he should see the field some during minicamp and be all systems go for training camp this summer. Melton's rehab is on schedule and recent signed a team friendly deal to serve as Dallas' new three-technique on the interior.

Cowboys land Melton on team-friendly deal | 03/21/2014 3:31 PM

News

Cowboys DT Henry Melton's contract with Dallas can range from as little as a one-year, $2.25 million pact to a four-year, $29 million deal.

ESPN Dallas

Impact

The structure is extremely team friendly, suggesting Melton was discouraged by his market. The only guaranteed money is a $1 million signing bonus. Melton can earn up to $5 million in 2014 via per-game roster bonuses and incentives. The Cowboys will have a big decision to make on Melton next offseason. If they exercise a $1,000 "option bonus" in March of 2015, they'll guarantee Melton a $9 million base salary and lock him up through the 2017 season.

Melton's deal could turn into four-year pact | 03/18/2014 10:29 PM

News

FOX Sports' Mike Garafolo reports Henry Melton's deal is a one-year contract that turns into a four-year agreement if he's on the Cowboys' roster the first day of the 2015 league year.

Mike Garafolo on Twitter

Impact

Per Garafolo, more guaranteed money will also kick in if Melton survives through the first day of the next league year. It's creative structuring that could pan out in a big way for the Cowboys if Melton bounces back from his torn ACL for a strong 2014.

Cowboys get their man, sign DT Henry Melton | 03/18/2014 8:26 PM

News

Cowboys agreed to terms with DT Henry Melton, formerly of the Bears.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, it's a multi-year pact. It's a deal both sides have wanted to get done since the start of free agency, but Melton still made the rounds on the open market, visiting Seattle and St. Louis in addition to the Cowboys. The Vikings were also interested. Melton will be reuniting with DC Rod Marinelli, the man who moved him from end to tackle in Chicago. Melton is recovering from a torn ACL, but will provide a badly needed disruptive presence along the Cowboys' patchwork line as long as he's healthy.

Melton is easily the top free agent left on the market. He's already had visits with the Vikings, Seahawks, and Cowboys and also remains in contact with the Bears. Bryan Broaddus of the Cowboys' official website reports Melton's surgically-repaired knee checked out well. In St. Louis, Melton would likely slide in as the starter next to Michael Brockers, pushing Kendall Langford to No. 3 duties.

Henry Melton being sued for more than $1M | 03/18/2014 9:20 AM

News

Free agent DT Henry Melton is being sued for "a sum greater than $1 million," stemming from his public intoxication and assault arrest on December 23.

WFAA

Impact

Around 2 AM on December 23, Melton was asked to leave Chill, a Texas sports bar. He then became "belligerent" and allegedly bit the bar owner, Donald Payne, in the lower back and pierced the skin. Melton's agent, Jordan Woy, denies the claims and plans to hold Chill "accountable" for damages Melton suffered.

Melton visited with the Vikings earlier this week and is also drawing interest from Seattle and Dallas. In Minnesota, Melton would be an upgrade over Sharrif Floyd in Mike Zimmer's scheme opposite Linval Joseph. Melton is five months removed from ACL surgery and expected to be ready for training camp.

FA DT Melton to visit Cowboys after Seattle | 03/14/2014 12:39 PM

News

Free agent DT Henry Melton will visit the Cowboys after the Seahawks.

Clarence Hill on Twitter

Impact

Melton isn't expected to sign with Seattle on his visit, unless he his blown away by an offer. Melton has expressed a desire to play for the Cowboys in his home state of Texas. If Jerry Jones can work the money right and fit Melton into the budget, he'd be a much-needed talent for a currently-talentless defensive line.

Free agent DT Henry Melton visiting Seattle | 03/14/2014 8:20 AM

News

Free agent DT Henry Melton will visit the Seahawks on Friday.

Josina Anderson on Twitter

Impact

As if the Seahawks needed to get stronger up front on the defensive line. Melton, 27, entered free agency as our No. 12 overall player available and would have been higher if he wasn't coming off a September torn ACL. Melton's market has been relatively quiet -- he's visited the Vikings -- but if he's struggling to find better than one-year offers, going to Seattle to rehab his value on a prove-it deal could be the best option. Melton had 13 sacks from 2011-12.

Henry Melton is top free agent DT left | 03/13/2014 8:39 PM

News

As day three of NFL free agency nears a close, Henry Melton is Rotoworld's top-rated defensive tackle left unsigned.

Rotoworld Free Agency Rankings

Impact

Melton is currently in Minneapolis visiting the Vikings. There is a healthy amount of defensive line talent still available, including Julius Peppers, Jared Allen, Antonio Smith, Corey Wootton, B.J. Raji, and Alex Carrington. For a comprehensive list of all the free agents left on the board, click the link below.

Henry Melton visiting Vikings on Thursday | 03/12/2014 2:11 PM

News

Free agent DT Henry Melton will visit the Vikings on Thursday.

Ian Rapoport on Twitter

Impact

To date, Melton had only been linked to the Cowboys, but it appears Big D won't even be his first visit. With DT Kevin Williams expected to move on in free agency, Melton would slide right in along the Vikings' 4-3 line.

Report: Cowboys/Melton have mutual interest | 03/11/2014 7:04 PM

News

The Cowboys' official website reports the team is targeting free agent DT Henry Melton, and that there's "lots of mutual interest."

Jeff Sullivan on Twitter

Impact

According to writer Jeff Sullivan, a deal "could happen quickly." The Cowboys are desperately thin along their defensive line, and have made Dallas-native Melton their top target. Melton hasn't been linked to any other teams.

Melton is a Dallas native, while his agent recently said he'd have interest in playing for Big D. The problem is that, as usual, the Cowboys have essentially no salary-cap maneuverability. The market's top defensive tackle, Melton is likely out of the Cowboys' price range.

Per reporter Michael C. Wright, Melton already has "multiple suitors." Free agency's top defensive tackle, Melton is likely going to command more money than the cash-strapped Bears can afford. He's coming off October ACL surgery, but is one of the best three-techniques in the game when healthy.

Free agent DT Melton interested in Cowboys | 02/26/2014 3:18 PM

News

Free agent DT Henry Melton's agent said his client would have interest in signing with the Cowboys.

ESPN Dallas

Impact

"Henry's from Dallas, he played for [DC Rod Marinelli], obviously there would be interest from Henry's side, but who knows at this point?" Melton's agent, Jordan Woy, said. Melton is the top free-agent defensive tackle on the market and is going to command significant money, money that the Cowboys don't currently have available. Dallas may not be major players in free agency.

GM says Bears want to re-sign DT Melton | 02/20/2014 2:23 PM

News

Bears GM Phil Emery says he wants to re-sign DT Henry Melton.

ESPN Chicago

Impact

"We do want to bring back Henry and we'll work through that process." Speaking Thursday at the Combine, Emery also said Melton has made "positive progress" with his torn ACL. There have been mixed messages on Melton's Bears future, but a public endorsement is a good start. The Bears will have a huge hole along their defensive line is Melton is allowed to walk.

Bears won't tag Melton, haven't made offer | 02/18/2014 8:51 PM

News

The Chicago Tribune reports the Bears have no plans to use the franchise tag on free agent DT Henry Melton, and have yet to make him a contract offer.

Chicago Tribune

Impact

Playing under the franchise tag last season, Melton tore his ACL in Week 3. Melton was a critically-important part of the Bears' defenses in 2011-12, but guaranteeing him a franchise-level salary coming off major injury would be a leap of faith. Melton estimates he's at 80-90 percent health. If team physicals reveal that to be true, Melton could still get a multi-year deal in free agency. The Bears don't have a viable in-house alternative if Melton walks.

Bears haven't commit to re-signing Melton yet | 01/24/2014 6:31 PM

News

The Bears' official website believes it's "difficult to say at this point" whether the team will re-sign free agent DT Henry Melton.

chicagobears.com

Impact

Melton suffered a torn ACL in Week 3 and is questionable for the start of training camp. He has major concerns about his health going into 2014, but is an elite three-technique pass rusher when healthy. The Bears had a historically bad run defense without Melton this year and don't have any in-house options to replace him. Rotoworld ranks Melton as the top free agent defensive tackle available this offseason, ahead of Linval Joseph and B.J. Raji.

Rehabbing in Grapevine, Tex., Melton reportedly "became belligerent" when asked to leave a restaurant, allegedly striking an employee. The Bears released a statement Monday saying there were "aware" of the issue, and "currently gathering information to learn more about the circumstances surrounding the arrest." Melton has been sidelined since Week 3, and is questionable for next summer's training camp.

Henry Melton to undergo surgery Thursday | 10/05/2013 4:35 PM

News

Bears DT Henry Melton will undergo surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee Thursday.

Brad Biggs on Twitter

Impact

The surgery will be performed by Dr. James Andrews. Melton has already been placed on injured reserve and is out for the season. Playing on a one-year, $8.45 million franchise tender, he'll enter free agency with major concerns about his health.

Bears place DT Melton on injured reserve | 09/27/2013 11:16 AM

News

Bears placed DT Henry Melton on injured reserve with a torn left ACL, ending his season.

Chicago Tribune

Impact

Melton suffered the injury during Sunday night's win over the Steelers. He was playing on a one-year, $8.45 million franchise tender and will hit unrestricted free agency this offseason. The Bears signed DT Landon Cohen to take his spot on the active roster.

Bears lose Pro Bowl DT Melton to a torn ACL | 09/23/2013 12:02 PM

News

Bears DT Henry Melton has been diagnosed with a torn left ACL, ending his season.

Adam Schefter on Twitter

Impact

A key cog as the three-technique dominator in the Bears Cover-2 scheme, the Bears are going to feel the absence of Melton in a big way. He graded out as ProFootballFocus' No. 7 defensive tackle last year, racking up six sacks and going to the Pro Bowl. Nate Collins, Stephen Paea and possibly Zach Minter are all going to have to step up. It's also a severe blow to Melton's wallet. He was playing this year on a one-year, $8.45M franchise tender. Now Melton will hit unrestricted free agency having to prove his health.

Report: Bears fear DT Melton has a torn ACL | 09/23/2013 8:03 AM

News

A source tells the Chicago Tribune that the Bears fear DT Henry Melton sustained a torn left ACL in Sunday Night's win over the Steelers.

Chicago Tribune

Impact

It would be a serious blow to the Bears defense. Melton was a Pro Bowler last season, grading out as ProFootballFocus' No. 7 defensive tackle while dominating against the run and picking up six sacks. He's one of the best Cover-2 three-technique tackles in the game. Stephen Paea and Nate Collins are going to have to pick up the slack.

Henry Melton exits with left knee injury | 09/22/2013 11:06 PM

News

Bears DT Henry Melton exited Sunday night's Week 3 game against the Steelers with a left knee injury.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

Melton was carted off the field and has been ruled out for the rest of the game. His absence is a massive downgrade to the Bears' defense. Nate Collins has replaced him at defensive tackle.

Henry Melton returns from concussion | 09/02/2013 2:44 PM

News

Bears DT Henry Melton (concussion) has resumed practicing.

Brad Biggs on Twitter

Impact

Chicago's ferocious defensive front will be at full strength Sunday as it squares off against a Bengals offensive line that may be without LT Andrew Whitworth (knee). If so, advantage Bears. Melton is their top interior rusher.

Melton has been sidelined since the Bears' preseason opener, which was nearly three weeks ago. Trestman expects him to gain clearance by Monday or Wednesday. The injury was Melton's first documented concussion as a pro.

The injury shouldn't threaten Melton's Week 1 availability, but it's a stinging blow for the Bears. Melton is Chicago's franchise player, emerging as one of the NFL's top three-technique pass rushers over the past few years. He'll be listed as "week to week." This is Melton's first known concussion in the NFL.

Henry Melton confirms he's playing under tag | 07/15/2013 11:02 AM

News

Bears DT Henry Melton confirms he won't sign a long-term contract ahead of Monday's deadline, and will play under his $8.5 million franchise tender this season.

Vaughn McClure on Twitter

Impact

Melton signed his tender just 11 days after getting tagged, surrendering leverage and suggesting he never expected a long-term deal. Entering his age-27 season, Melton will be a candidate to get tagged again next offseason if he can match his 2012 production (43 tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles).

The implication being the sides will not reach a long-term agreement before Monday afternoon's deadline. CBS' Jason La Canfora reported on Sunday that the sides remained far apart. Going on 27, Melton could break the bank next offseason with another Pro Bowl-worthy year.

La Canfora reports sources have told him there is "scant chance" for the sides to reach an agreement. Melton, 26, has started 29 games over the past two seasons, and notched 13 sacks. The 2012 pro-bowler is a key piece along the Bears defensive line, but the team remains unwilling to break the bank to extend him. He'll make $8.5 million under the franchise tender.

Melton: There's been some contract 'chatter' | 07/12/2013 8:17 AM

News

Bears franchise player DT Henry Melton says there's been some "chatter" about a long-term deal ahead of Monday's deadline, but doesn't hint an agreement is close.

Chicago Tribune

Impact

"I can only control what I can control, and that's my performance on the field," Melton said. The Bears took long-term talks with 2012 franchise player Matt Forte down to the deadline, and ended up hammering out a four-year deal at the 11th hour. It's possible they'll follow a similar path with Melton, but it's not looking terribly likely.

No 'sense of urgency' between Bears, Melton | 06/18/2013 2:41 PM

News

CBS' Jason La Canfora reports there hasn't been a "sense of urgency" between the Bears and franchise player DT Henry Melton in long-term talks.

CBSSports.com

Impact

The sides have done very little negotiating, but there haven't been reports of an impasse. Talks between the Bears and franchise player Matt Forte progressed very slowly last summer before the sides hammered out a deal at the 11th hour. Considering the current team-friendly state of defensive linemen contracts, the time for the Bears to lock Melton up is now.

Talks slow going for Bears and Henry Melton | 05/15/2013 4:05 PM

News

The Bears have made little progress in long-term talks with franchise player DT Henry Melton.

Chicago Tribune

Melton officially inks $8.5M franchise tender | 03/12/2013 6:23 PM

News

Bears signed franchise player DT Henry Melton to a one-year, $8.5 million contract.

Rotoworld.com

Impact

The move fully guarantees Melton's salary, and gives the sides three months to reach a long-term agreement. The Bears locked up 2012 franchise player Matt Forte for four years just before the deadline. Playing a more premium position than Forte, Melton figures to be a more complicated negotiation.

Bears inform DT Melton that he will be tagged | 03/01/2013 8:43 PM

News

Bears assigned the franchise tag to DT Henry Melton.

Sean Jensen on Twitter

Impact

This was expected all along, and CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, as well as the Chicago Tribune, called it a "sure thing" earlier on Friday. The franchise tag carries a fully guaranteed $8.45 million price with it. Melton recorded six sacks in 2012, a year after racking up seven of them. Melton and the Bears are said to be "on opposite ends of the world" in long-term contract negotiations.

As does the Chicago Tribune. The Bears have a little more than 72 hours to make the move official. Melton will be due $8.5 million under the tag.

Bears non-committal on plans to tag Melton | 02/23/2013 11:54 AM

News

In an interview at the NFL Scouting Combine, Bears GM Phil Emery remained non-committal on his plans to use the franchise tag on DT Henry Melton.

Chicago Sun-Times

Impact

"We'll be talking to Henry, and when we come to a conclusion, everybody will know," Emery said. Melton's unique combination of size and speed makes him a central player in the Bears' 4-3 defense, which is expected to remain similar to former head coach Lovie Smith's system. Melton has 13 sacks over the last two season, and earned a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2012.

Report: Melton 'fully expected' to be tagged | 02/22/2013 11:18 AM

News

The Chicago Tribune reports the Bears are "fully expected" to use the franchise tag on free agent DT Henry Melton if a long-term deal isn't reached before the March 4 deadline to apply the tag.

Brad Biggs on Twitter

Impact

The Tribune had previously reported it was a "good bet" Melton would be tagged absent a long-term deal. According to beat writer Brad Biggs, the sides will meet Saturday at the Combine. Coming off a two-year emergence as 3-technique force, Melton figures to be asking for the moon in long-term talks, making the tag likely.

Melton, Brian Urlacher, and DE Israel Idonije are easily the team's most notable free agents, so it's not a surprise Melton would be Chicago's main concern. As CSN Chicago notes, Melton's stock has gone "through the roof" over the last year. Melton, 26, has started 29 games over the last two seasons, and he has 13 sacks as a disruptive 3-technique in that span. If he makes it to free agency, Melton will have suitors aplenty.

Cowboys better off with Melton than Spencer? | 01/30/2013 3:38 PM

News

ESPN Dallas believes the Cowboys should make a run at free agent DT Henry Melton instead of trying to re-sign OLB Anthony Spencer.

ESPN Dallas

Impact

Up against the salary cap, the Cowboys don't have the money to sign both. Spencer is coming off his finest year as a pro, but will be tasked with converting from outside linebacker to defensive end if he re-ups in Dallas. Melton is also coming off a career year, and is three years younger than Spencer. Beat writer Tim MacMahon believes Melton would be a perfect fit as a "disruptive 3-technique tackle" in Monte Kiffin's 4-3 defense. The Cowboys recently hired Melton's former DC Rod Marinelli as DL coach. That's all good and well, but Melton is on the record as hoping to remain in Chicago. It's possible the Cowboys will strike out on both players.

Henry Melton wants to re-sign with the Bears | 01/25/2013 4:25 PM

News

Free agent DT Henry Melton stated Friday that he's "optimistic" he'll strike a deal with the Bears before the market opens on March 12.

ESPN Chicago

Impact

"All the coaching changes and all that have delayed it," Melton said of talks. "Hopefully we can get back on schedule of getting something done." Melton confirmed that the sides negotiated during the season, and "were getting somewhere." Melton should be valued highly by new defensive coordinator Mel Tucker, who runs a Cover 2-based scheme similar to ex-coach Lovie Smith.

Bears tried to sign Henry Melton in-season | 01/25/2013 1:39 AM

News

The Bears attempted to sign impending free agent DT Henry Melton to an in-season extension, but were unable to strike a deal.

ESPN Chicago

Impact

Melton's stance seems to suggest he'll be pursuing big money either as a free agent or from the Bears. With 13 sacks over the past two seasons and a team-high 24 QB pressures in 2012, Melton's certainly has earned it. Still just 26, Melton will be a coveted three-technique tackle if he hits the market. The Bears are expected to offer him a four-year deal, but financial terms are unknown.